World History Terms

Animism

Belief that spirits live in nature, such as animals, plants, and rivers.

Judaism

The world's oldest monotheistic religion, founded by the Hebrews.

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama that teaches how to end suffering.

Confucianism

A philosophy created by Confucius that teaches respect, education, and good behavior.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad in the 600s.

Dar al-Islam

"House of Islam"; lands where Muslims ruled or Islam was practiced.

Roman Catholic Church

The largest branch of Christianity led by the Pope.

Orthodox Church

The Eastern branch of Christianity centered in Constantinople.

Patriarchy

A system where men hold most political and family power.

Civil Service Exam

A test used to choose government officials based on ability rather than family background.

Diaspora

The scattering of a group of people from their homeland.

Entrepôt

A trading center or port where goods are imported, stored, and exported.

Shogun

Japan's military ruler who controlled the government.

Daimyo

A powerful Japanese feudal lord who owned land and served the shogun.

Agricultural Revolution

A period of major improvements in farming that increased food production.

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal winds that change direction and bring heavy rains, helping Indian Ocean trade.

Teotihuacan

A major ancient city in central Mexico known for its large pyramids.

Mayans

A Mesoamerican civilization known for writing, mathematics, astronomy, and pyramids.

Mississippian

A Native American culture known for building large earthen mounds, including Cahokia.

Toltecs

A civilization in central Mexico that influenced later Mesoamerican cultures.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting China with Europe and the Middle East.

Indian Ocean Trade Routes

Sea routes connecting Africa, the Middle East, India, and Asia for trade.

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

Trade routes across the Sahara Desert used to exchange gold, salt, and other goods.

Maurya Empire

The first major empire of India, known for Ashoka's rule.

Gupta Empire

An Indian empire known as India's Golden Age for advances in science, math, and culture.

Mandate of Heaven

The Chinese belief that rulers have heaven's approval to govern.

Han Dynasty

A powerful Chinese dynasty known for expansion, trade, and the civil service exam.

Persian Empire

A large empire in Southwest Asia known for organization and the Royal Road.

Greece

An ancient civilization famous for democracy, philosophy, and city-states.

Roman Empire

A powerful empire that ruled much of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Byzantine Empire

The Eastern Roman Empire centered in Constantinople.

Abbasid Caliphate

An Islamic empire known for learning, trade, and Baghdad.

Sui Dynasty

The Chinese dynasty that reunited China and built the Grand Canal.

Tang Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for prosperity, culture, and expansion.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for inventions, trade, and economic growth.

Ghana

The first great West African trading empire, wealthy from gold and salt.

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful African kingdom known for its stone city and trade.